Jordan Cove terminal saga continues, and Pacific Power stays in the dam business.
OREGON NEWS
Terminal futures. In March, federal energy regulators nixed approval of the Jordan Cove liquified natural gas export terminal in Coos Bay claiming the company had not demonstrated need for the facility. Now the Oregon Department of State Lands has decided to delay a permitting decision for the terminal and pipeline project for at least five more months. OPB reports an appeal may be in the works.
Meanwhile. In light of the recent Union Pacific oil train derailment, Tesoro defends its proposed oil terminal in Vancouver. Read why in my short take Q&A.
Our dam business. Pacific Power announced in 2013 it would divest from Bend’s Mirror Pond dam. Now the energy company is apparently changing its tune. The utility won’t commit to keeping the dam long-term but says Mirror Pond is still structurally sound and will be used to generate hydropower. The dam is more than 100 years old. The Bend Bulletin has more.
Eugene CEO hits the big time. Palo Alto Software CEO Sabrina Parsons is participating in the first United State of Women Summit at the White House today. Along with Cecile Richards, Tina Fey, Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep, Parsons will spend the day discussing economic development health, education, entrepreneurship, and violence against women. The summit — which aims to focus on action to move the U.S. forward — is hosted by first lady Michelle Obama. The event is live streamed online.
Also from the Silicon Shire. The Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) began its fourth accelerator program yesterday at its Eugene headquarters. The program, which runs for 16 weeks, features nine startup companies.
Accountants on the move. Perkins & Co announced this week it will merge with Thompson Kessler Wiest & Borquist, creating a Portland accounting firm with more than 150 employees. Perkins is already the largest locally-owned accounting firm, but the merger under the Perkins umbrella adds 18 employees and five shareholders. “TKWB supports our mission in every aspect of our business and culture,” says Gary Reynolds, Perkins president. “We look forward to growing together.”
Cutting Room Floor. Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, is fond of telling stories with numbers. Plus: a video clip explaining why Daum loves to come to work everyday. Read more from OB Editor Linda Baker.
NATIONAL NEWS
Open internet. Net neutrailty rules were upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals today. Called the Open Internet rules, the regulations state phone and cable companies cannot treat some traffic different than others — meaning no slowing of competitors and no paid fast lanes. NPR has more.
Autonomous future. Fiat Chrysler is now working with Uber and Amazon to create self-driving cars. Fiat made a deal with Google last month to test autonomous technology in 100 existing Chrysler Pacifica hybrids, a deal that looks similar to what Uber is considering. Amazon’s partnership would allow for driverless deliveries. Read more from Business Insider.
